Rally Against Antisemitism Is Sunday In Chesterbrook, Tredyffrin

TREDYFFRIN, PA — Tredyffrin community is combating the spread of antisemitism in the wake of recent bursts of swastikas spray painted in high-profile locations throughout the township.

The first rally against antisemitism is set for 2 p.m. Sunday, June 4, at the Forge Mountain development, Chesterbrook Boulevard.

An anti-hate sign will be placed where a swastika was discovered on April 20. The swastika and all others discovered were promptly removed.

The event is free and open to the public. Yard signs will be distributed.

The event is organized by Lisa Schreiber and Howard Griffel, Tredyffrin residents who said they have experienced antisemitism.

After swastikas were found in multiple locations near her home, Schreiber organized T/E Jewish Connections, a group of families in the school district.

Schreiber and Griffel said they hope to see the community stand up to hate by attending the event and by placing many yard signs against hate on properties.

Schreiber said the local clergy, police, and Tredyffrin/Easttown School District are standing against anti-semitism and all forms of hate.

How antisemitism surfaced in Tredyffrin

The problem came to the forefront at the end of March.

On March 25, Tredyffrin police were notified of antisemitic graffiti on a retail establishment at Gateway Shopping Center and along Valley Forge Road.

The following day, a citizen discovered racially insensitive graffiti on multiple signs including racial slurs and antisemitic symbols at Valley Forge Middle School.

Subsequently, a 15-year-old was arrested as a juvenile for spraypainting racial slurs and swastikas at the Valley Forge Middle School.

On April 20, Hitler's birth date, swastikas were found on Chesterbrook Boulevard. They were also found in other locations in the township.

The Tredyffrin supervisors on May 23 passed a resolution condemning antisemitism and all other forms of hate.

The TE Connections group started a GoFundMe page to raise awareness of an uptick in antisemitic and racist language and micro-aggressions on social media by students throughout the Tredyffrin/Easttown school district. The campaign has raised over $8,200.

Schreiber said the community can no longer say this isn't happening in our backyard, calling on the community to "Stand with Us, Stand Up to Hate."